Gore working to release detained journalists

May 15, 2009 10:51:38 AM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO --

Former vice president Al Gore says he's doing everything he can to secure the release to two journalists detained by North Korea. Laura Ling and Euna Lee work for the network Gore co-founded in San Francisco, Current TV.

North Korea has charged both journalists with unspecified hostile acts and entering the country illegally in March. The former vice president says been working with the U.S. State Department, and other governments to win the release of both women.

But he says the process isn't easy.

"Because the North Korean government is a little bit different and doesn't respond to the kinds of public appeals that maybe we're with when other governments are involved, we're going about this in a way we think has the very best chance of securing their safety and their early release," said Gore.

Ling and Lee are set to stand trial in June. Each woman faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.